Improvement in spikes



H. STIBBS.

improvement in Spikes.

N0..|32,934. Patented Nov.12, 1872.

Will Less as. Y Jaye 212222.

A M. PHDTlFl/THUGHAFHIC CQMYMS URNEIS PRUCESSJ UNITED STATES PATENTHENRY STIBBS, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

IMPROVEMENT IN SPIKES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 132,934, dated November12, 1872.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY SrrBBs, of Ba1- timore, iu the county ofBaltimore and State of Maryland, have invented certain Improvements inSpikes for Fastening Railroad Iron,

of which the following is a specification:

My invention relates to the combination of the dovetail and brace insuch a manner as efi'ectually to prevent the spike from being loosenedby the jar or bent backward by the strain upon it. To this end theinvention consists in making a spike which gradually decreases in sizefrom near the point toward and directly under its head, as Figure 0 inthe accompanyin g drawing.

When this spike is driven into the ties the wood closes against it andprevents it being drawn out.

The brace B is at the back of the head A, and is made to inclinedownward in such a manner as to enter the wooden ties a short distance,and prevents the spike from bending from its place. The brace is alittle below the under part of the head A, so as to strengthen that partof the spike weakened by the dovetail.

I claim as my improvement in railroad spikes Y 1. The tapered andpointed shank, the taper being that resulting from a gradual and uniform increase in the thickness of the shank from the head to thecommencement of the beveled surface that terminates in the point, asshown and described.

2. The brace 13 opposite to and a little below the level of the headproper, and inclined downward, as and for the purpose set forth.

HENRY STIBBS.

Witnesses BENJN. EGG-LESTON, OLIVER BURKE.

